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The recent surge in violence in Manipur, a northeastern state in India, stems from a deep-rooted ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The immediate trigger for the latest wave of attacks was the discovery of the bodies of six kidnapped individuals, including two children, who were abducted by suspected Kuki militants from Jiribam district. This horrific event ignited a cycle of retaliatory violence, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The scale of the violence prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to curtail his political campaigning and deploy additional troops to the region, with nearly 7,000 personnel expected to arrive shortly. The Centre's response underscores the gravity of the situation and the government's determination to restore order. However, the underlying causes of the conflict are far more complex and deeply entrenched.
The conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis is not a new phenomenon. It is rooted in historical grievances, land disputes, and competing claims to resources. The Meiteis, who constitute slightly more than half of Manipur's population, predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley. They are largely Hindu, although a significant Muslim minority exists within the community. In contrast, the Kukis, primarily Christian, represent a considerable portion of the population and inhabit the hill districts. Their presence in Manipur dates back several decades, with many having migrated from Myanmar. This demographic distribution has created a significant power imbalance, with the Meiteis holding a more dominant position in business and politics. This imbalance fuels resentment and mistrust among the Kuki community.
The May 2023 violence served as a prelude to the current crisis. A ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ organized by Kuki and Naga tribes to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, sparked widespread clashes. This march, intended to raise awareness about the Meitei's pursuit of ST status, which would grant them certain advantages in terms of land rights and government benefits, inadvertently escalated tensions significantly. The resulting violence left over 160 dead and countless injured. Further fueling the conflict were government evictions of Kuki villages deemed to be encroaching on protected forest areas. These actions exacerbated existing tensions, creating a volatile environment where any spark could easily ignite widespread conflict. These events laid bare the deep-seated animosities and the fragility of peace in the region.
The recent attacks demonstrate the escalation of violence and the failure of previous attempts at de-escalation. The targeting of civilians, including children, the burning of homes and schools, and the alleged rape and murder of a woman showcase the brutality of the conflict. The attack on Zairawn village on November 7th, where a woman was reportedly raped, killed, and her body burned, is particularly horrifying. The allegations against the CRPF for failing to intervene further complicate matters, raising questions about the effectiveness of the security forces' response and the neutrality of the deployed personnel. The subsequent retaliatory attacks, the killing of suspected Kuki militants, and the abduction and murder of Meitei family members highlight the vicious cycle of violence that continues to engulf the state.
The involvement of sophisticated weaponry, including RPGs and automatic firearms, some of which were looted from a police armoury, indicates a high level of organization and preparation among the militant groups. The fact that militants travelled long distances to carry out these attacks underscores the extent of planning and coordination involved. The ongoing search operations to locate the missing civilians, the extension of the AFSPA's jurisdiction, and the continued deployment of additional troops show the government’s acknowledgment of the severity of the situation and their attempts to restore law and order. The extension of the AFSPA, despite its controversial nature, demonstrates the government's commitment to using strong measures to curb the violence, however the long-term efficacy of such measures remains doubtful. The root causes of the conflict – historical grievances, land disputes, and the perceived power imbalance between communities – need to be addressed for a sustainable solution to this tragic situation. Lasting peace requires not just security measures, but also meaningful dialogue, reconciliation efforts, and equitable distribution of resources.
The situation in Manipur serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of ethnic conflicts and the challenges of maintaining peace in diverse societies. The absence of trust between the communities, the deep-seated historical grievances, and the lack of a comprehensive strategy to address the underlying causes continue to fuel the violence. Without a concerted effort to bridge the divide between the Meiteis and Kukis, the cycle of violence will likely continue, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of all citizens of Manipur. The path towards lasting peace requires a multi-pronged approach that includes immediate measures to stop the violence, long-term strategies to address underlying issues, and sustained efforts at reconciliation and rebuilding trust between communities. A long-term solution requires more than just military intervention; a just and fair approach to land rights, political representation, and economic opportunities for all communities is essential to ensure stability in the region. This will require significant political will, diplomatic efforts, and a sustained commitment from both the government and the communities involved to fostering dialogue, understanding, and ultimately, lasting peace in Manipur.
Source: Why Is Manipur Burning Again? What Are The Ethnic Fault Lines In The State?